Birmingham News sports podcast: Barkley speaks, Tide vs. Longhorns

Make no mistake, Auburn legend Charles Barkley likes and supports Gene Chizik. But, he did say he thought Turner Gill would have been a better hire. (The Associated Press)In this week's Birmingham News sports podcast, I am joined by columnist Kevin Scarbinsky to discuss Charles Barkley's thoughts on Gene Chizik one year later, we begin to preview the national championship game and discuss just how crazy football is in Alabama.

Kevin wrote a column this week talking with Barkley about his feelings on his school's football program. That column sparked a lot of talk and a lot of heat from readers and from Barkley. Kevin explains why some may have been upset with the column.

With all the attention Alabama is receiving in the postseason -- Mark Ingram's Heisman Trophy, Rolando McClain's two trophies as a top defensive player and six AP All-Americans -- will the Tide be affected by the hype headed into a tough game against Texas?